Nova Scotia Health Authority has confirmed a fourth case of mumps

A health care worker gets a mumps shot during an immunization clinic at the Halifax Infirmary. (FILE)

The Nova Scotia Health Authority confirmed a fourth case of the mumps in the province on Tuesday.

Last week, Dalhousie University issued a notice to students and staff about two cases at the university. There was also a third case in the Halifax area that also had links to Dalhousie.

The health authority’s Lesley Mulcahy said via email that the latest case was not at Dalhousie but is currently under investigation to determine if there is a link. She did not say where it was located.

Public health says mumps is a virus that is spread through discharge through the nose or throat, such as when someone who has the virus coughs or sneezes without covering their mouth or nose. It can also be spread by sharing food or drinks.

The symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle ache, and swollen and tender glands in the jaw. Men and teenage boys may have swollen or tender testicles but some people display no symptoms at all.

The virus can be spread a few days before symptoms appear, and for up to five days after.

Most people recover, but the provincial Health and Wellness Department says in rare cases mumps can lead to meningitis, swelling of the ovaries, inflammation of the pancreas, and short-term or permanent hearing loss.

The mumps vaccine is part of the regular vaccination program for children.